How to Write CV for First Job: A Complete Guide

Overview

Writing CV for first job may seem intimidating especially if you have no formal work experience. But here’s the truth: you already have more to offer than you think. By focusing on your education, strengths, and transferable skills, you can create a CV that makes a powerful first impression.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to write CV for first job, step-by-step, using smart strategies that help you pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and stand out to recruiters.

Why a Great First CV Matters More Than Ever

According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Hiring Trends Report, 71% of recruiters spend less than 7 seconds reviewing a CV. That means your layout, language, and structure need to be clear, concise, and compelling from the first glance.

A well-written CV is your personal pitch. It’s how you introduce yourself to potential employers—so make every word count.

How to Write CV for First Job: Step-by-Step

1. Choose the Right Format

Since you’re just starting out, a skills-based (functional) CV is your best option. This format highlights your competencies rather than work history.

2. Add a Professional Header

At the top of your CV, include your:

• Full name

• Phone number

• Email address (professional only)

• LinkedIn profile (optional)

• Portfolio or personal website (if relevant)

Example:
Sarah Ahmed | +971 50 987 6543 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/sarahahmed

3. Write a Strong CV Objective

Instead of a traditional career summary, write a CV objective. This short paragraph shows your enthusiasm and highlights the value you bring.

Example:
“Ambitious business graduate with strong problem-solving and teamwork skills. Eager to contribute to a collaborative work environment and grow professionally within a forward-thinking company.”

4. Emphasize Your Education

Since experience may be limited, your education is a key selling point. Include:

• Degree name

• University or institution

• Graduation year

• Relevant coursework or GPA (if strong)

• Academic honors or awards

Example:
Bachelor of Marketing
University of Sharjah – Graduated 2024 | GPA: 3.7/4.0

5. List Your Key Skills

Use job description keywords and focus on transferable soft and technical skills. This helps your CV pass ATS filters and shows you’re a strong fit.

Top Skills for First-Time Job Seekers:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Time Management

• Problem Solving

• MS Office / Google Workspace

• Social Media / CRM / Canva

6. Add Internships, Projects, and Volunteering

You don’t need a formal job title to show value. Include academic projects, part-time roles, volunteer work, or freelance gigs.

Example:
Marketing Intern – Bright Agency
June – August 2023

• Assisted in content planning for client campaigns

• Managed Instagram scheduling, boosting reach by 22%

• Created competitor analysis reports

7. Include Certifications or Online Courses

Even short courses show initiative and skill development. Examples:

• Google Digital Marketing Certification

• LinkedIn Learning: Excel for Beginners

• Coursera: Introduction to Data Analytics

8. Keep It Clean and Easy to Read

Follow these formatting best practices:

• Use clear fonts like Arial or Calibri

• Keep font size between 10–12 pt

• Stick to one page

• Use bullet points for clarity

• Save your file as a PDF

Pro Tips to Make Your First CV Stand Out

• Customize your CV for each application

• Avoid spelling or grammar mistakes

• Don’t use casual email addresses

• Start bullet points with action verbs like “Created,” “Organized,” or “Led”

• Focus on what you can do—not what you haven’t done yet

Final Thoughts

Learning how to write CV for first job is about focusing on your strengths, potential, and enthusiasm. A lack of formal experience doesn’t mean a lack of value. Use smart formatting, clear language, and relevant details to show recruiters you’re ready to contribute.

Your first job is just the beginning. Start with confidence—and a CV that opens doors.

FAQs

1. What should I include in my first CV?

Include your contact details, objective statement, education, skills, internships, volunteer work, certifications, and relevant projects.

2. Can I apply without experience?

Yes. Emphasize transferable skills, education, and any hands-on experience from academic or personal projects.

3. Should I add a photo?

In countries like the UAE, it’s common. In the US or UK, it’s optional and often discouraged unless requested.

4. How long should it be?

Stick to one page for your first CV.

5. How can I make it stand out?

Tailor it to each job, use keywords from the description, and highlight results—even from school or volunteer work.